Mavericks fan favorite is as good as gone after winning Cooper Flagg sweepstakes

The Dallas Mavericks' future has shifted dramatically after winning the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery. Projected top pick Cooper Flagg had one of the most dominant freshman seasons in recent memory, winning the John R. Wooden Award for the best player in college basketball. Flagg is only the fourth freshman to win the award, joining elite company in Kevin Durant, Zion Williamson, and fellow Maverick Anthony Davis.

With the lottery news, Nico Harrison and the Mavs have been given a chance to make up for the controversial Luka Doncic trade. Flagg is one of the most NBA-ready draft picks in league history with his incredible defensive and off-ball scoring talent. Mavs fans should expect Flagg to be a solid starter for a playoff team as a rookie.

With Flagg on the roster, the Mavericks now have an excess of frontcourt talent. Dallas bigs Davis, P.J. Washington, Daniel Gafford, and Derek Lively II have shown playoff success, yet are questionable shooters who shouldn't play the small forward. Adding Flagg means the Mavericks are forced to move one of these big men, with one clearly being the odd man out.

Flagg's future addition all but confirms P.J. Washington will be traded

Washington became a fan favorite during the Mavs' 2024 NBA Finals run, where he had electrifying performances on both ends of the court. Washington already had a questionable fit alongside Davis, and adding yet another star forward means Washington's days in Dallas are numbered.

Washington is an excellent cutter and defender with a streaky 3-point shot. This skillset is ideal for a team that needs a solid starting power forward, such as the 2023-24 Mavs. After adding Flagg and Davis, who both prefer playing the 4, Washington's skillset poses more questions than answers for next year's Mavericks.

Washington's talent and expiring contract make him an ideal trade asset for the Mavericks. With the star talent on this roster, the Mavs can be serious finals contenders next year. To realize this potential, the Mavs have to trade Washington to bolster their weak wing talent.

The post-Doncic Mavs had a dearth of wing talent. Klay Thompson proved he is still capable of starting on a contender, but no other wing has shown the same level of play. The Mavs can now use Washington to swap talent with a team with an excess of wings and weak frontcourt talent.

A possible trade partner would be the Houston Rockets. Steven Adams, who is a free agent this offseason, played at a phenomenal level this year. The Rockets will likely be unable to re-sign Adams, so they will be looking to bolster their big man talent. They also have a wealth of guards that could be traded, including Dillon Brooks, Jalen Green, Cam Whitmore, and Amen Thompson. While it is unlikely Thompson will be traded, one of the other three wings will be moved at some point.

Similar to the Mavs, the Rockets have an excess of wing talent. Furthermore, both Whitmore and Green are young enough to develop into a co-star for Flagg after Irving and Davis inevitably decline due to age.

Washington is the perfect trade asset to finalize this Mavericks’ roster. While Mavs fans will be sad to see him leave, the possibilities that the lottery has opened will bring the fanbase far more joy than Washington could.